A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 'loving and remarkable' mum was found dead near her 'screaming' baby daughter.

The body of Nicola Haworth, 33, was discovered inside a terraced house in Burnley, Lancashire, by police officers on Friday morning.

She was pronounced dead at the scene, and a post-mortem examination later established her cause of death as asphyxiation, cops said.

Nicola's nine-month-old daughter was also found inside the property and taken to safety.

Although the baby was unharmed, she was reportedly screaming when officers arrived at the scene in Wilton Street at around 9.30am.

Police launched a murder inquiry after discovering the body of 'caring' Nicola, who is believed to have been strangled to death.

A 34-year-old man from Burnley was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder.

He has been detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in a secure unit, Lancashire Police said in a statement today.

The man had been arrested earlier in the day on suspicion of possession of a knife after being seen 'acting suspiciously' on a nearby street, the force added.

However, he was rearrested after Nicola's body was found.

Police said an investigation into the incident is ongoing. Detectives are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

DI Andy Cribbin, of the Force Major Investigation Team said: "We are continuing our investigation into the tragic death of Nicola Haworth and my thoughts remain with her family and friends at this time.

The baby was reportedly screaming when officers arrived at the scene in Wilton Street (pictured) (Image: Google Maps)

"If anyone has any information that could assist with our ongoing inquiry I would urge them to contact us as soon as possible.‎"

In a statement released by police, the victim's brother, Robert Haworth, said: "My sister was a beautiful woman who was a caring, loving, remarkable person.

"She was a fantastic mummy, sister and aunty. Life will never be the same for me or my beautiful niece.

"We will always remember you Nicola Joanne. You are now back with Mum and Dad and always know I loved you. Rob."

The tribute was accompanied by a smiling photo of Nicola.

Lancashire Police said this evening: "A murder inquiry was launched after a man was seen acting suspiciously on Holmby street at around 9am yesterday (Friday, July 22). He was searched and arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and taken to custody.

"At around 9.30am officers attended an address on Wilton Street to check on the safety of a woman. Inside the address they found the body of a 33 year old woman who can now be identified as Nicola Haworth.

"She was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A post mortem examination established the cause of death as asphyxiation.

"Nicola's daughter, a nine month old baby girl, was also found at the address unharmed and taken to a place of safety.

‎"The 34 year old man from Burnley was subsequently rearrested on suspicion of murder. He has been detained under the Mental Health Act and remains in a secure unit."